Basic Components of Service Provider Business Contracts

When you enter into a working relationship with anyone, it’s very important to have some form of contract. Each contract will vary greatly depending on the type of services you provide, but in general every contract needs these basic components.

Detailed Description of the Services You Will Provide

It’s essential to very clear here and describe the services that will be provide. The more detail you can put in this part of the contract, the fewer misunderstandings will occur and the better it is for you. This is very important, especially if you are charging on a per-project basis instead of hourly. You don’t want scope creep to ruin any profit-making potential and by detailing the work you will perform, you can seek additional monies for any variations to contract.

Complete Description of the Relationship between Both Parties

This is the area where you mention the nature of the business relationship, in terms of whether or not you are an independent contractor or an employee. Spelling it out here will protect both parties from any tax issues later. However, keep in mind that acting like an employee/employer, no matter what this section states, is what the tax department really cares about.

Responsibilities of the Service Provider

Spell out in great detail which dates you’ll have the work completed by, and what your responsibilities are to the client in regard to getting the work done. How will it be submitted to the client? What constitutes finished work? Be very specific in this area. It will help protect you as well as help you feel done each day when you know what constitutes “finished.”

Responsibilities of the Client

Spell out what the client must do so that you can do your job. For example, state that the client must get you the information you need by a certain date each month, and say how the client should contact you when they have questions. Be very specific and exact in this section so there is no mistake about what the client needs to do to ensure that you can do your work in a timely manner. Also specify that if the client delays you for any reason then you are not responsible for any missed deadlines.

Important Dates

Restate the important due dates for both sides of the client/service provider equation. The reason you want to state this again is that it’s an essential component in being able to work together cohesively without issues. These dates will ensure that it all happens without a lot of back and forth or problems.

What About Payments

Detail here your payment schedule, so that the client knows when you will bill them and when you expect payment to be received. If you want to be paid via PayPal then you should say so, otherwise they may not be prepared to pay you this way, which could cause delays. Spell out all the terms, the amount and how and when it all happens so that there are no excuses.

Terms for Termination

Tell the client how they can terminate your agreement, and state how you can terminate the agreement. If there is an end date to this contract, state that here too. If there is going to be a price increase at any point (if it’s an endless contract), state it here as well. This way the client is aware of what will happen in the future, giving them the opportunity to leave the contract if they want to.

Non-Disclosure Agreement

This is something that is good for both parties, you agree not to tell people you work for the client and the client agrees not to state what they pay you to people they recommend to work with you. Whatever you both want in this agreement to protect both parties in terms of non-disclosure goes here.

Ownership of the Deliverables

State in this section who owns the deliverables. Usually you will put words to the effect that deliverables are owned by the client once full payment has been received. This will help prevent non-payment or claims of ownership of the work when payment has not yet been submitted. This is the best way to protect your hard work and their intellectual property.

Legalities

It’s super important to include any legalities that are required by your state or country. It also is good for the service provider to include a line that states any court proceedings and all laws will be determined by your state, city and county. That way if a problem happens you won’t have to travel for court.

Finally, always ensure that both of your names, business names, addresses, phone numbers, and emails and if applicable tax ID/ABN numbers.

Of course its always best to seek professional advice especially with business contracts, with the basic rule of thumb being the bigger the project the more beneficial it is to have your business contract professionally prepared.

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